Effect of Licorice Plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra ) on In vitro Maturation of Immature Oocytes and Embryonic Development in NMRI Mice

Abstract

Background and purpose: Glycyrrhiza glabra is a perennial plant with some major food and medicinal compounds that has received attention by food and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of licorice on in vitro maturation of immature oocytes on NMRI mice. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, the animals were randomly divided into five groups: a control, a sham and three experimental groups. The mice were injected intraperitoneally with 7.5 IU PMSG to stimulate ovulation. The control group, received only water and food. The sham animals were gavaged with 200 ml of distilled water for 7 days. The three experimental groups were given daily injection of 100, 200, and 500 μL licorice by oral gavage for 7 days. The mice were sacrificed on day 8, the ovaries were then removed and investigated for oocytes reaching metaphase II (MII) within 24 hours. The oocytes were fertilized by the sperm of male mice and investigated after 24 and 48 hours after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Results: Compared with the control group, consumption of licorice extract in experimental groups (II and III) was found to have a positive effect on the number of follicles, oocytes, and number of 2 and 4 cell embryos. Conclusion: This study showed the beneficial effects of licorice extract due to its Phyto-estrogenic properties on oocyte maturation and infertility.

Keywords

• glycyrrhiza glabra
• nmri mice
• in vitro maturation of oocytes
• fertilized oocytes